There’s a lot to discuss, though little of it sparks great passion. The 2007-2008 Clippers are a lottery team – and not an especially likeable one. As a Clippers devotee, the best you can hope for is a series of small victories: The maturation of Chris Kaman, the emergence of Al Thornton, the spontaneous combustion of Ruben Patterson.

Fundamentally speaking, though, the Clippers’ 82-game record will be determined on the floor. I thought it would be instructive, if masochistic, to take a look at some of the probable -- and improbable -- lineups.

THE STARTERS: Cassell-Mobley-Maggette-Thomas-KamanBarring injury, it’s safe to assume that this will be the Clippers’ starting lineup when they take the floor in Oakland on November 2. What’s going to be most interesting to observe is how the offense will be reformulated with Kaman as the focal point on the block. I tend to be more bullish on Kaman than most Clipper fans and still believe he has the footwork, strength, and touch to be a forceful low post player. If it’s going to happen, then it’ll be with Cassell working with him on the strong side.

Corey Maggette made incredible strides toward the end of last season focusing his game in the halfcourt. It was a pretty simple adjustment: At some point in late winter, Corey began to recognize that he draws a help defender every time he holds the ball on the wing or starts a dribble-drive into the paint. In turn, this opens up opportunities elsewhere on the floor – either up top, where a guard has moved over to the wing to pick him up before he starts his drive, or from down low where a post defender has slid up to halt Corey’s patented drive. Corey will never be a great passer, but if he keeps his eyes open and times it right, he can manufacture a half-dozen open shots for teammates…and, you know, he might just get the ball back if he moves off the pass. This was the single most important factor in the Clippers’ resurgence before the great collapse last April.

Mobley and Thomas have to drill shots, if only to open things up for Kaman down low. Kaman still needs a lot of work in recognizing double-teams, and the best way to mitigate that problem is to present him with as few double-teams as possible.

STARTING THE SECOND QUARTER: Knight-Mobley/Ross-Maggette/Ross-Patterson-PowellLike 85% of the Clippers’ roster, Ruben Patterson is a small forward, to the extent that he has any natural position. Milwaukee played him quite a bit at the PF in their small lineup – and he put up the most efficient offensive numbers of his career. The truth is that, with possible exception of some Eastern Conference teams…and San Antonio…and Houston…and maybe Portland…stucturalism is dead in the L. Dunleavy isn’t a coach who is naturally inclined toward positional parity, but he demonstrated a willingness last year to experiment, playing Elton at center and featuring multiple guards on the floor simultaneously. When you have a bunch of guards on your roster who can post – and essentially function as “bigs” – you can do that. Livingston’s absence leaves somewhat of a void, but Patterson can muscle position near the basket, and Mobley excels at posting opposing guards. It’s a shame there aren’t shooters on this team that Mobley and the post guys can kick it out to. Not having them makes running an offense that much more difficult.

The good news is that the addition of Knight and Patterson make the Clippers a strong defensive team. Powell is scrappy, though I can’t say for certain if he has the court awareness yet to qualify as a superlative defensive player. Though this lineup is small, it should be able to hold its own defensively. Offensively, I have no idea what the second team can run in the halfcourt. No idea. The Clips desperately need Corey to play 40 minutes a night, and hit that 20-footer the way he did down the stretch last season. THE RUN ‘N’ GUN: Jordan-Maggette-Thorton-Korolev-ThomasIn regards to Jordan, this is wishful thinking, but the Clippers haven’t had a point who can run the break in a long while and I love the prospect of The Magician taking the court with Maggette and Al Thornton on the wings. You’re going to love Thornton’s open floor game. He’s explosive and can fly by defenders without turning the ball over. Korolev remains the team’s most mysterious player, but it’s worth remembering that he was regarded as a “point forward” in pre-draft scouting reports back in 2005. If he can shoot with some accuracy and defend as well as observers say he can, then he could potentially fill a large part of the vacuum at the 4. Nobody’s going to mistake Korolev and Thomas as twin towers…or twin anythings…but there are worse things to have than a couple of 6’ 10” shooters on the floor together in a high-pace game.

With Elton out, Mike Dunleavy has to calculate how often he wants to open up the floor. It’s not something he’s generally inclined to do, but if the organization is going to draft the likes of Thornton, make peace with Maggette, and bring Korolev back, then it only makes sense to oil the tracks, particularly if you have solid transitional defenders, which the Clippers do. THE STOPPERS: Knight-Ross-Patterson-Powell-KamanPositional flexibility on the defensive end is invaluable, and we’ve spoken about Patterson's ability to guard bigger players. Ross remains one of the better wing and perimeter defenders in the conference. Despite Kaman’s struggles last season, he’s graduated into a very skilled shot blocker and his quick feet have made him a mobile defender who can help on a dime, both in transition and in plugging the lane against penetration. I’m not ready to anoint him NBA All-Defense, but you don’t rank 10th in the league defensively if your big man isn’t doing something right. While I tend to think that gambling point guards who rack up a lot of steals are overrated defensively, Brevin Knight has demonstrated a headiness to his defensive game over the course of his career that mitigates his affliction as the team’s only dwarf.

GOING BIG: Cassell-Maggette-Powell/Thomas-Kaman-DavisWe’ve discussed the possibility that Chris Kaman is secretly a power forward and, when the game demands it, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mike Dunleavy play Kaman and Paul Davis on the floor together. Kaman’s mobility allows for such a tandum and if you add 6’ 10” Tim Thomas – who fundamentally is a ‘3’ – that’s a lot of size on the floor at once. I’ve never been sold on Maggette at the SG position because he has trouble on the perimeter defensively against smaller scorers, but if he can continue to improve his floor sense in the half court, it’s not a bad option – though Mobley functions quite well in a big man scheme.

I haven’t addressed the Ruben Patterson question and, needless to say, I’m not happy about his addition to the roster, whatever he might bring to the table defensively. This is one of the reasons that I approach my fandom from the perspective of a New Critic. It’s all I can do to rationalize rooting for a guy who, by his own legal admission, tried to rape his children’s nanny, assaulted his wife, and broke the jaw of a man who might have scratched his car. Clipper fans have traditionally been able to take solace in the fact that the team was superior in human character to the team across the way. With the acquisition of Patterson, the front office has denied us that privilege. While I don’t ever want to wish harm upon any living creature, if a painless stress fracture were to fall upon Ruben Patterson and prevent him from ever suiting up for a Clipper regular season game, that wouldn’t be the worst thing imaginable.

Posted Wednesday, October 29 at 3:20PM

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What happened to QRoss? As far as I know, he's still on the team. Looking at the proposed lineups, it looks like it'll be tough fitting him in somewhere now that Patterson and Thornton are here. But as a Dunleavy favorite, he's definitely still going to get some playing time. Maybe at the SG position to spell Mobley?

"I haven’t addressed the Ruben Patterson question and, needless to say, I’m not happy about his addition to the roster, whatever he might bring to the table defensively."

You're going to love him on the court.

He brings more than just defense. He can also really do some nice things on the offensive end of the court.

The moral implications are obviously complex, to put it in the most generous manner possible. One of the many reasons I prefer basketball to football is that rape and wife beating tend to be football crimes rather than basketball crimes. And thus I'm pissed at Kobe and Ruben for messing with my association.

But the odd thing about Patterson is that I actually find him a sympathetic figure, despite the atrocious nature of the crimes. I'm not sure why this is, and I've actually pondered it a bit. I wouldn't expect to find myself liking him. I really detest Kobe over Eagle, Colorado, for example.

Dunno what I'm trying to say precisely, but I thought I'd say it anyway.

There are pieces of my own preferred starting lineup in your "going big" lineup. Any thoughts on starting Davis alongside Kaman with Maggs (sf) and Mobley and Cassell, and bringing Thomas off the bench? Davis seems to be a natural PF to a similar degree as Kaman, and the Clips would get a rebounding and defense upgrade. Plus Thomas' shooting and points off the bench would be welcome--it's his natural role.

And you don't mention Aaron Williams--some discussion about his utility.

I really like the idea of playing BIG and slow it down. Davis - 5, Kaman - 4, Thornton - 3, Maggette - 2 , Cassel -1 . Play against the en-vouge Suns / Raptors speed ball. This team because of it's improved D will suprise NBA followers in 07/08.

You know, being a clipper's season ticket holder for 18 years now, i am disgusted by the lack of enthusiasm for our team. Yes, it sux that elton and shaun are hurt, but we have a whole off season to restructure the offense. As much as i dont like patterson off the court, he is a great asset to have on the court. He hustles, plays D and is an energizer who can score. For the longest time we have had good character guys but nobody that has a mean streak. This is why picking up patterson i think, will help us not hurt us. We need a guy thats not gonna take crap from anyone and will fight every game. I wish we had artest. As much as i like Brand, sometimes he is too soft, he is too nice. Kaman is the same way, nobody fears us..It is time to play hard nose Defense and make teams respect us. I was bummmed when elton went down, but the clips dont appear to be throwing in the towel with all their moves they have made and if you look at the team, we r pretty deep. CLIPS FAN 4 LIFE!!!

Kevin - welcome back. I agree 100% with your suggested lineups. IMO the only way they can compete is to go uptempo, as EB mentioned in an interview about a week ago. They cannot defend or create much offense from the post and uptempo would at least be interesting. Zhiv's suggestion re Davis is overly optimistic unfortunately.

Jesse - the reason for the lack of enthusiasm among some of us is in my view a reflection of the poor coaching decisions over the last year. We can deal with injuries. On a positive note, I like the Ruben, Breven and possible Dickau signings, given what the team had to choose from. I would personally have taken Stuckey over Thornton (I am not optimistic about Livingston) and done everything I could to keep Corey but that may not be possible given the current coach.

FINALLY TRAINING CAMP STARTS
the clips are back as is the blog....all the way from grand rapids, michigan...never fear clipper faithful...Big C has been working extremely hard this summer, sans a fishing trip here or there, he is in great shape added about 15 lbs of muscle, and ready to go....keep the faith and stay positive, the clips are going to shock the world this year.

The reason why most people aren't entheusiastic about the upcoming season is the roster as presently assembled is a complete MESS, and the guy making the play calls is an even bigger one.

We have no post game, save Mobley posting his man up from time to time. Other teams will be able to key on Kaman, thus limiting whatever post game he has or people claim he may have.

We have no shooters to compliment the roster full of small forwards.

On defense, we may be able to bother opossing teams guards with zones and traps, but Kaman and whoever MD pairs with him will be in serious trouble defending the post. Kaman may be 7 feet tall but he plays like he's 6 inches shorter, and has less coordination than most females I know. Something tells me T2 won't be much help from the weak side.

Every team in the western conference has improved, and the Clips combination of injuries and poor personnel decisions will prove to be a disasterous combo.

Although big SOFO is reportedly out of shape, the Clips still desperately need him. It's incomprehensible to me that he seemingly did not get any consideration when EB went down. The Clips needed to try to replace EB's post presence, on both ends of the floor. Nothing else mattered (save improving the PG situation) this off-season when EB went down, and the Clips failed to fill that gaping hole. Sorry, don't see Ruben as filling any part of what the Clips will be missing with EB being out. I see Ruben cutting into Maggette/Mobley/Ross and Thornton's minutes.

Several reports said SOFO's buyout was only $500K, which should have been no problem for DTS on the heels of giving Kaman $11 mil and MD more than $5 mil per.

Tim Duncan is gonna break 80 pts when he plays us. Most of Dunleavy's play calling will be passing into Kamen so he can dribble it off his foot. Without EB teams can send 2 people inside at Kamen swatting at the ball. Kamen is gonna have a panic attack everytime.

you guys need to step back and look at things..first off, i was at the summer league games and thornton is so much better than stuckey and more explosive...second of all, dickau needs to be signed cause he can shoot, i also believe mobley and thomas will come alive.Kaman is due to have a break out year, he really has no excuses now, there will be nothing crowding him down low and he has all the skills. I also believe in sam and i believe he along with the rest of the team will be playing with a chip on their shoulders!! Having guys like knight cassell and patterson, those guys will bring energy and fire!! i expect a gritty team on defense and uptempo on offense!!

ah the preseason dreams of the clipper faithful. people need to wake up. when 2/5 of your starters are out and you are bringing in the castoffs from other teams you are playing for ping pong balls. of course dunleavy is going to slow the ball down and be boring as well as losing. every game clips win is one less chance at oj mayo.

If everyone is such a Clipper fan. Then do what we do every year. Keep watching the games. Season ticket holders. Keep buying season tickets, and shut the fuck up! I agree with jesse. #1 Clipper fan for life. That's what makes us true fans. I get so much shit from my friends because i am a clipper fan. And every year I will say the same thing. We are going to be good this year! Forget line ups, off the court issues, injuries, ineptness. Let's root for the Clips! From #1 Clipper fan.
Jorge.
Who by the way is not a season ticket holder.

Does anybody seriously expect Sam to be ready to start for this team? My sense, and a conversation with TT over the summer, is that Cassell is one stubbed-toe from retirement. He has no real interest in playing his last season for a lottery team. Someone tell me, who is going to shoot from the perimeter? TT and Mobley will spot up for the occasioanl 3, but we have no guards who can consistently knock down a mid-range jumper. Hope Thornton gets the PT he needs to break out, and hope Corey stays healthy long enough to get himself a big contract with a contender. The rest of the roster is achingly mediocre. Ready for a 30 win season, cause that's what we're looking at. Anybody else ready to weigh in with a win total?

Well I'm a season ticket holder and I can't wait for the season to start. I know that the team is going to do good this year!!!! With EB injury we are probably going to see different line ups until we get it right! And MATT P Tim Thomas should be the last person that should comment anything about another player!! Even though Cassell was out for all those games last year, he still did much more than Tim..Tim needs to earn his Cheddar this year!!!

Jorge, go ahead and bury your head in the sand if you'd like to. Those of us that are Clips faithful, but have the cognitive ability to understand the distressed state of the orginization are as concerned as ever. The Playoff run we made a few years ago is no longer a reasonable goal.

And yes, Jorge, as a season ticket holder am extremely dissapointed at the direction of the team but will not sit here without saying what's on my mind. I'll still be at every home game, but refuse to back MD, and management's extremely poor personnel decisions. In fact, I want some answers. I want MD to be accountable for making the series of decisions that have put the Clips behind the 8 ball. My prediction for total wins this year is 20, dammit.

I found this below online, and unfortunately, completely agree with the analysis below except maybe the comments on Kaman as I see him still as not much of a player, especially for the $$ DTS is about to start paying him.

**************************************

Lots of people expect the Clippers to stink now that Brand is out. I'll take things a step further: I didn't think they'd be any good even before the injury. This is the season where L.A.'s recent draft failures really will start to hurt, because as age takes its backcourt down a peg there's nobody coming up to replace them.

How is this for a bad batting average? The Clippers have had six lottery picks since 2001; of them, only one, Kaman, is certain to make a contribution this season, and none has come remotely close to stardom. Check it out:

• Korolev is out of the league.

• Livingston is out for the season and perhaps longer.

• Melvin Ely was abandoned on the Bobcats' front porch three years ago.

• Chris Wilcox was traded for Vladimir Radmanovic and then converted, essentially, into Tim Thomas.

• And Thornton could be a contributor, but his age sends my bust-detector into overdrive. Besides, with that run of recent picks, why should we bet on this one working out?

Instead of young players pushing up to fill in the voids, the Clips find themselves with a growing litany of weaknesses. Their only two reliable scorers are highly injury-prone, they have an old backcourt and a desperately thin frontcourt, nobody can make a 3-pointer and management is too cheap to find quality replacements.

Wait, it gets worse. All the Clippers' best players are free agents after the season. Brand, Maggette, Cassell, and Livingston all have expiring contracts, while Patterson signed a one-year deal.

What this means, most likely, is that the Clips will deal some of those guys by the trade deadline. Not Brand, clearly, but the others should all be available. Cassell is the most obvious trade bait, as a contender would love to have his savvy and keeping him around for a mini-rebuilding project (and yes, that's what's needed) is foolish. Since Dunleavy doesn't appear to be feeling Maggette, he's another strong candidate for dealing.

The goal would be to extend Brand's deal at some point this year, get draft picks and expiring contracts for the other guys and then go into the summer with roughly $15 million in cap space. If they do everything correctly they could be back in the playoffs next season, but when have the Clippers done everything correctly?

In the meantime, this season could get ugly, especially before Brand comes back. If the Clippers were a college football team they'd be every other Western Conference team's first choice of homecoming opponent. Even the silver lining to the season has a negative pall to it -- they'll have a great shot at a high draft choice, but they're a year too late for a savior.

Ok, you guys just make me sick...before you can evaluate our team, lets first see how they do...i personally like Dickau and think its a good pickup. He was great in college and has showed that when he gets minutes he can play, he put up better numbers than steve blake who the nuggets seem perfectly content with. Dickau can also shoot. Im not saying i believe the clips will make the playoffs but i think that bcuz there r so many people already saying the season is lost, that will fuel them....When they made their big playoff run, people didnt think they were gonna be that good. Yes, elton is out, but the team will pick up the slack, i expect maggette to have a big year as nobody can stop him and he will be the primary offensive target!!!

I wish clipper darryl was on this blog, cuz he would instill that clipper spirit back

Jesse - TW has reason to be frustrated and his anger is understandable. He's a loyal Clipper fan, but he, like many of us, expect mamagement to be competent. If we, the fans, do not have those expectations, Sterling will not be interested in doing anything other than accepting league revenues, which is what he did for most of the time he has owned the team. Management has made some poor decisions, which has caused many of the fans to seriously question the direction of the team. The problem is compounded by the fact that management has given MDSr, who many of us see as one of the biggest problems, a significant extension. The irony is that it is MDSr who got Sterling to finally loosen the purse strings.

In any event, we are where we are. Dickau, Ruben and Breven are good pickups, given the desperation ceated by the injury to EB. However, as noted in the article TW refernced, and in Hollinger's ESPN article (may be the same article), the Clippers had many problems before EB went down, and EB's return isn't going to solve them. As I indicated, I would have taken Stuckey over Thornton because pg / sg is the team's most pressing need. MDSr is trying to replace Corey, still believing myopically that Shaun is the savior. Unfortunately, he's not, and we haven't done anything about it. We should do what we can to re sign Corey and trade Thornton for a young pg. Just my two cents.

We as Clipper fans now have a choice. Are we going to continue to back the team given all the ridiculousness? I will do so reluctantly this year. However, if MDSr does not play up tempo, which is his only choice since the team cannot score from or defend the post, and if they continue to make bonehead decisions, I will have to move on. While I like underdogs, I don't like losers.

Section 218 checking in.
There is so much negativity going around here in Clipper nation is makes me sad. Like Jesse said, let's wait to see them play before we pass judgment. Granted EB and Livie are out, but is this really as bad as a couple of years ago when we had Rick Brunson, I repeat, Rick Brunson STARTING at point guard?..but we still managed to win 28 games or so. Things are not as bleak as they may seem. 30+ wins is easily attainable, and 40+ if EB and Livie come back in a reasonable time. Let's just keep the ship afloat until those guys get back. Let's go Clip Show!!!

Jesse, do you also follow and are a fan of the bad news bears ?? Just thought I'd ask.

Evidently you are OK with a team is destined to fail, and prefer the blinders over logic and reasoning. I'm not fine with this slop Clips management is forcing on us, and I am going to voice my discontent.

Maggette may have a career year in his contract year, if MD allows him to do so. I expect he'll be traded before MD finally figures out how to use him.

The fact that you suggest Dickau is going to make an impact shows how little you know about the NBA.

There's a good reason to be mad. After their playoff season (where they should have gone further), there were in a great position. A lot of young players and a good draft position.

They should have made the playoffs last year, if Dunleavy didn't screw everything up. Add a real draft pick instead of Korlev and we'd probably have Francis or some better free agents this year.
Clippers had the chance to be a real contender.

Seriously, shut up and watch a few games first. Then we'll reconvene and discuss who is or isn't a big steaming pile of shit. Why waste all this energy right now, arguing who's the bigger fan or who knows more about the NBA? Let's sit back and see what the 07/08 squad can do.

Can't you guys just enjoy the sport of basketball, or is it essential to have a championship which won't affect your own personal lives in any way, shape or form?

Thanks Andrew, your points are valid. As for TW, how dare you say i dont know about the NBA...go look at stretches when dickau was allowed to play...the kid has skills..everyone is so annoyed about losing jared jordan but may i remind you he played at a small school that did nothing, compared to the career dickau had with the zags. Also, jordan wasnt that impressive to me in training camp, everyone is complaining about not having a shooter, dickau can shoot, jordan cant. I love thornton and he gives us depth in case maggette does decide to leave. I question dunleavy at times too, but i believe he will have us prepared. Stuckey was decent at the summer games. I am good friends with Jeff weltman who used to work for the clips and is responsible for drafting olowakandi over bibby, pierce etc... He argued stuckey was better than thornton too.. Many people believe he could be this year's draft sleeper. I compare him to dominique i think he is that good. He is maggette with a jump shot, just wait til he gains some more mass and gains experience. I have watched basketball my whole life, i have been with the clippers for 18 of my 25 years alive and have seen them in their worst days when they lost their first 18 games of the year. Stop being so negative it isnt like we r going into the season with bums. At least we r making moves unlikes the lakers who everyone still says will be good because they are bias, i think they have way more problems than we do...so if your not gonna be supportive than stay off the blog, i cant take it anymore. Support your team through the good times and bad, dont be a bandwagon man

Jesse, you may not be aware of this but the goal is to win the games not lose them. Some of you may need that reminder. In the NBA, they do keep score and some of us pay a lot of damn money and would like to know that we have a chance at sucesss year to year. You may like paying through the nose for a product that for lack of a better word, plain stinks, but I do not.

Jesse, you seem to have a lack of understanding of the difference of being a loyal fan who has a problem with the direction of the team AND a bandwagon fan. I, unlike you, voice my concerns when there's reason to do so, and you should take a deep breath as it's not healthy to get your panties in a bunch over a healthy discussion on the state of the clip show. We're all fans dude. Some of us don't bury our heads in the sand when things are jacked up. It's extremely unfortunate that MD has given us little reason to believe that he's the right guy making the important decisions.

I suggest you get used to me pal cause I aint going anywhere dude. Come say hello sometime to me at a home game in 103, I'm there around 35 or so games a year. Anyone that sits in the lower part of that section knows me well, and I would welcome the opportunity to explain a few things to you in person.

Then again, you may be beyond help. Your friend, whom you claim is responsible for drafting Olowakandi over Bibby and Pierce says Stuckey is the steal of the draft, huh? Well, it's not suprising to me that with that flawed source of percieved logic, you also think MD will have the team prepared for the season. The fact that you are citing someone's opinion, who clearly was dead wrong on Olowacrappy, doesn't show me much in terms of you being a credible voice whatsoever. Strike one dude.

Dickau played in 50 games last year and shot 36% from the field and 26% from behind the arc. Neither is going to cut it, in terms of having the type of success necessary to WIN games dude.

I am with Jax, I am a diehard fan but cannot support MD and management when they're clearly jacking things up so very badly. I too like underdogs but not losers.

Dickau (who might not sign) is playing behind Knight and Cassell, he'll probalby get 20min a game. I don't see how that's gonna change the clippers season.

All they are doing right now is trying to sign people to go along with Maggetti in a trade. They figure one of these below average players will average 10-15pts a game and 6 boards cus there's no one else. Then package him with Corey.

first off my buddy was saying stuckey was better than thornton, but espn and other sources r saying THORNTON is the steal of the draft. I am in section 102, row 9 seats 1 and 2...i am a die hard who yes, can look at things negatively like you and get all upset with the way the team is, or i can be optimistic that they r making moves and wait to see before i throw in the towel. As far as dickau, yes his numbers arent good, but in the stretch where he actually played consistent minutes he averaged 13 and 6... and to tell u how much i love the clips i bought tix to game 7 in phx..knowing full well with the extra rest our guys were probably toast i went and supported. I blame dunleavy for his stupidity of the daniel ewing debacle and for not playing corey this year. However, i know he can coach and i will wait to see what he does this yr before getting all bummed out about another wasted season

we should tank and draft rose...simple as that...with the current team, even if we miraculously make the playoffs, you guys seriously think we can beat phx, sa, hou, uta, etc...??? hell no...
do the smart thing for once and tank...

OK Jesse, I hear you bro. We can table this discussion until the season starts as I'd be stoked if MD is able to mold this team into something we can be proud of, but given my comments above am not holding my breath.

There aren't many ticket holders I know that think Dunleavy can coach his way out of a paper bag, and have quite simply have seen enough. The overwhelming majority of us think we're in major trouble as MD has shown us little ability to make any adjustments whatsoever. This year will be the year he'll have to make lots of adjustments, and many of us are bracing for disaster. With that said, I will make my best effort to try to take more of a wait and see approach but given MD's track record and basketball acumen it's gonna be tough to do so.

I think Detroit got a steal with Stuckey, no doubt. I'm bullish on Thornton too, and think he's one of the guys we have that could make an impact. We shall see.

I'm in 103, row 6 seats 5 and 6. You can find me there or in the royal room during games. Late.

[From the Clipper.com website]
"The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent guard Donell Williams. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.
A Los Angeles native who starred at Fairfax High School and West Los Angeles Community College from 2001-2003, Williams enjoyed a successful college career at Fayetteville State University. At Fayetteville State, the 27 year old averaged 15.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a senior. As a junior, Williams averaged 17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Prior to attending Fayetteville State, Williams averaged 29.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in 2002-03 at West Los Angeles Community College.

Williams played in the JBL Pro-Am League in 2006 and averaged 27 points. Williams also played in the Southern California Pro League in 2005 and averaged 22.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest.

tw, i feel ya man..i hate dunleavy, i think he is a good personel guy but not that great of a coach...however, we r stuck with him cuz he baited baylor and sterling into signing him..so, instead of getting all upset, im gonna wait and see...it appears this team will be much different, scrappier, faster, more uptempo...when it comes down to it, im just glad to see passionate clipper fans out there, i hate the LAKERS and am waiting for the clips to finally take over this town.

I'll give MD credit for being the one guy who seems to have the combo to DTS's caerfully guarded safe, and he's been able to get DTS to make the necessary financial commitment to give the Clips a chance to compete and someday hopefully get back to winning.

However, I cannot get behind MD's personnel choices, save maybe Mobley. The Clips simply matched EB and Maggette, so those don't count (but both now appear to be one foot out the door due to MD, but that's another discussion alltogether) I see MD as being wrong about pretty much everyone else, and as long as he's given the liberty to decide who comes and goes, the Clips are completely screwed. That's my not so humble opinion anyways.

The season starts in less than a month. MD, we're all watching you buddy, and moreso than ever I might add, give us something to root for and we'll happily shut up about how terrible many of us think you are.

Something still tells me MD will instead be giving us more fuel to add to the fire, but we shall see.

holy christ some of these comments read like a bunch of girls bitching at each other at a bake sale... guys, guys.. it's basketball. Dunlevy sucks but hopefully this season will at least be entertaining. Sure, i'd love us to have brand and have made better off season moves... well we didn't... moving on... I think the tix are over priced now too - but leave jesse alone about it, tw.. dude, take it up with the clips... i love when everyone talks shit about other commentor's bball knowledge or comment if you're really that pissed do something about it to someone who can actually alter a situation ... relax, ladies, no need to get so personal. Let's just hope this team is fun to watch and makes a few runs here and there.

Give Korelev some minutes. He can shoot and pass. Just needs toughening and experience. No substitute for the real thing. I saw him make a shot last year during a game that no one else on the Clippers could come close to making and he did it with ease. If you are going to tank, might as well get the younger players more playing time. Don't waste time on the Pattersons of this world.

BTW, ragging on this team on this website is OK, as is supporting the team. Where else are we going to vent our frustrations? To our wifes or girl friends? To Laker fans?